The Maudsleys’ Success with British Blues
Littlebank Theo, a pedigree British Blue bull.
The May Spring Show and Sale of British Blues in Carlisle was one for the record books - especially for the Maudsley family of Settle, Yorkshire. Long-time members of the SRUC Premium Cattle Health Scheme (PCHS), the Maudsleys achieved their highest-ever sale price with Littlebank Theo, a pedigree British Blue bull, selling for a remarkable 15,000gns.
This impressive sale surpasses their previous record of 12,000gns set in 2011 with Littlebank Elliot, and marks a significant milestone for the Littlebank herd, a name now synonymous with health, quality, and consistent performance.
A Family Operation Rooted in Quality
Farming 240 acres in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, H R & W J Maudsley manage a diverse and robust operation. Their 45-strong suckler cow herd now features continental breeds such as Simmental and Limousin, alongside 20 pedigree British Blues run on a commercial basis.
The Littlebank herd was born out of a chance decision in 2007, when instead of leaving with a bull, Richard Maudsley returned home with a cow - Ballee Treat, described as “big and powerful.” It was a gamble that paid off; her genetics still run strong through today’s herd.
From Farm to Fork
The Maudsleys keep things local and sustainable. Cattle not destined for pedigree breeding are finished on-farm, supplying beef to their family-run restaurant, The Knights Table in Settle. One animal per month is used to keep their menu fresh and traceable. They also raise 400 Texel and Mule ewes, producing lambs finished on grass—with 60 lambs a year also heading to The Knights Table.
Meanwhile, Richard works as a sprayer contractor, and son Tom operates Maudsley Agricultural Construction, showing just how multifaceted this rural business really is.
Commitment to Herd Health
Health isn’t an afterthought on the Maudsley farm, it’s a cornerstone of their operation. They joined the SRUC PCHS when they first established their pedigree herd, ensuring peace of mind for both themselves and their buyers.
“A healthy herd is a profitable herd,” says Tom. “Producing healthy, quality bulls means our bulls go on to produce quality calves, which is exactly what buyers want.”
The herd is BVD Accredited and has maintained Johne’s Risk Level 1 status since 2007. The Maudsleys operate a closed herd policy, using sexed semen to breed replacements. This year, they’re also AI’ing heifers with sexed Simmental semen, targeting commercial heifer production and future embryo transfer work.
Breeding for the Future
The British Blue breed has only been in the UK since 1982, with the herd book renamed to the British Blue Cattle Society in 2007. Known for their muscle, conformation, feed efficiency, and docility, the Maudsleys also emphasise calving ease in their breeding program.
Their latest success, Littlebank Theo, is a naturally born son of Greystone Noveltee, a sire prized for calving ease. Another standout, Littlebank Ted, a son of 2018 Royal Highland Show Champion Sandyvale Jagerbomb, also fetched 7,500gns at the show.
“Many of our customers are repeat buyers,” Tom shares, “coming back because of the quality of our bulls and our herd health status.”
Why British Blues?
The British Blue breed offers remarkable versatility, ideal for both crossbred beef and dairy-beef systems. Blue-sired calves consistently command premiums at market. The Maudsleys’ commitment to genetics, health, and animal welfare sets them apart in a competitive field.
With record-breaking sales and a strong vision for the future, the Littlebank herd is one to watch.
Posted by SRUC Veterinary Services on 05/06/2025
